Fiji is set to engage with the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Japan to enhance its disaster management collaboration in the region. This announcement was made by Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka, during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Manila, Philippines.
Minister Ditoka expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for its assistance in facilitating Fiji’s involvement in the ADRC. He stated that this participation is a significant opportunity for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and learning best practices, which will improve Fiji’s disaster risk management capabilities.
He also acknowledged the ongoing support from the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in strengthening disaster risk management and resilience in Fiji. According to him, the partnership has played a crucial role in reducing the impact of natural hazards and tackling climate change challenges. The lessons learned from Japan’s extensive risk management frameworks have greatly influenced Fiji’s strategies, enabling the country to enhance its disaster management systems and protect its communities more effectively.
In addition, Minister Ditoka highlighted the recent signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation for the Early Warning Satellite System (EWSS) using Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). He described this collaboration as a significant advancement that would revolutionize Fiji’s early warning systems for tsunamis and other hazards, allowing for quicker and more efficient emergency responses.
Minister Ditoka also noted the continuous collaboration between Fiji and Japan on addressing geohazards, which can lead to destructive events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and floods. Furthermore, he pointed out the Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project, which, with JICA’s support, has enhanced Fiji’s ability to integrate disaster risk reduction into national and local planning efforts. This initiative empowers the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) to conduct better hazard assessments and encourage investments in disaster resilience, focusing particularly on the most vulnerable communities.